Address and Contact Information
Address: 2208 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 519-1544
Website: https://www.elminarestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Related Web Results
MENU – A contemporary Ghanaian restaurant in Washington DC
ELMINA – A contemporary Ghanaian restaurant in Washington DC
Elmina – Washington – a MICHELIN Guide Restaurant
Reviews
The food was delicious and full of flavor, and the ambience made the entire evening feel special. One of the highlights was the chef coming out to check in with our table, which added a really personal touch to the experience. Overall, it was a wonderful place to gather with friends and enjoy a memorable meal together. I’d definitely return. ✨
Chef Eric from Top Chef was making the rounds to make sure folks were happy- such a vibe. Can’t wait to go back.
Each plate felt like a conversation between cultures: bold spices, unexpected pairings, and modern techniques that still honor the roots. The twists on classic dishes were intentional and exciting, never gimmicky. You taste history, travel, and innovation all at once.
If you’re looking for a dining experience that brings the richness of African flavors to the table with a fresh perspective, this spot delivers beautifully.
On the other hand, the dishes were hit and miss. The beef “kabobs” were the size of sticks of satay (very small) and the meat was overcooked. $25 for poorly cooked tiny pieces of beef was a disappointment. The hamachi collar was my favorite dish of the evening. The bone marrow with crispy goat was good but the bone marrow was better than the goat on top. Maybe it’s because they left the sauce on the side to accommodate my dining partner, but the goat didn’t have as much flavor as I was expecting. We got a side of plain jolloff rice and I thought it was excellent. The wait staff warned us it might be too spicy for my dining partner, and they were right, but the flavor was really nice. The corn pudding dessert was unique and delicious, but I expected something different. While the plating and presentation was nice, and perfect for two people sharing, for $18 I expected the portion of the corn to be larger. The dish was small and corn is a cheap ingredient. I would expect this size of a dessert as part of a tasting menu, but we did a la carte, and a la carte should be larger.
I’m glad I got to try Elmina but the price point is too high for me to go back again due to some of the dishes not meeting expectations.
Our server was great. He was friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and happy to share his personal favorites. However, our food took around 30 minutes to arrive, which was disappointing. It was especially noticeable because the table next to us was seated after us and received all of their dishes before we got even one.
Overall the food was good. The plantains were perfectly cooked and delicious, and the pork belly was grilled well with a great sauce. Our favorites were definitely the crab fried rice and the grilled chicken, both incredibly flavorful. My cocktail was also fantastic.
Overall, Elmina has a stunning space, great vibes, and good food, but the pacing and wait times could use improvement. We’d return, but hope for a smoother dining experience next time.
I ordered one cocktail which was fine, but again I don’t think it was worth the price. It was Old Fashioned adjacent and came with tiny ice cubes which melted quickly. I may be a large clear ice cube snob, but still…
Ordered: Tasting menu + pairing ($185)
Please please get the fufu!
Branzino filet was the best I have had in ages
We got 2 mains as a party of 3, when normally it’s 1 main per 2 guests, which was a wonderful surprise and so appreciated, we ate it to the last grain of rice!
Our server was knowledgeable, warm and welcoming
Can see this place having a star by the end of the year!
Black History Month support-join me!
Elmina is a beautiful representation of Ghanaian culture. Owned by THE Chef Eric Adjepong, this restaurant creates food which fosters good conversation.
Service was amazing! Great staff!
Top favorites:
Drink: Benjamin’s G&T- a twist on the classic gin and tonic. Very refreshing and lite
Snacks: Kelewele-not your traditional fried plantain. It’s crispy on the outside and sweet on the inside. DELICIOUS!
Appetizer: Zaalouk Dip! This is a winner baby! You can taste the charred eggplant and bold flavors in each bite. The roti is perfectly prepared and adds additional flavor as you break off pieces to scoop up the dip. FANTASTIC!
Mains: Fante Fante Fish and Bambara Bean Coconut Curry. Both dishes paid an homage to West African culture and it’s everything that you want in a meal. Spices and herbs were on full display. STELLAR!
Dessert: Malva pudding cake. You’ll want to push through the fullness to indulge in this warm delight. Perfect mixes of flavors-DECEDENT!
Great place for date night, family (adults), friends, and coworkers. Go opened minded to exploring cultural cuisines and enjoy!